Paul Connaughton Snr (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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Question 613: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the continuing difficulties encountered by wind turbine operators in their efforts to gain access to the ESB national grid at price levels that will attract private investment in small to medium sized wind farms here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25873/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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The processing of applications for access to the electricity network is a matter for ESB Networks or EirGrid in the first instance. The adjudication of disputes in relation to connection requests and related decisions of ESB Networks and EirGrid is the responsibility of the Commission for Energy Regulation. I have no statutory function in the matter. However it can be noted that approximately 150 applications with a combined installed capacity of the order of 1500 megawatts have been accepted into the REFIT support programme for new renewable energy powered electricity generating plants administered by my Department. Each of these new project proposals has secured a connection offer.